Vintage SUVs Hot Among Collectors

Toyota Land Cruiser, 1970s, '80s Jeeps, Classic Ford Broncos Popular

It's no great surprise that sport/utility vehicles are one of the most popular vehicle segments among new vehicle shoppers. What's surprising is SUVs are becoming very popular among classic car buyers as well. Hagerty Insurance, one of the largest insurers of classic vehicles, reports registrations of vintage SUVs with the company have gone up 65 percent since 2008. At a collector vehicle auction in 2013, a 1981 Toyota FJ-40 Land Cruiser sold for $88,000, highlighting the demand and popularity of the vintage SUV niche.

The biggest growth by model has been with the Toyota Land Cruiser, with the iconic FJ-40 model especially popular with collectors. Registrations of Land Cruisers have gone up 202 percent since 2008. Other popular vintage SUV models have been Jeeps from the 1970s and 1980s, Ford Broncos, and International Scouts, as well as vintage Land Rover models.

Hagerty also noted that the number of vintage SUVs offered at auction is up 150 percent over the last five years, and the average value of these vehicles is up 31 percent, after an analysis of data from 15 major auction houses.